Police Chief Offers Conciliation

Boca Remains Safe Despite Unrest, He Says

October 14, 2005|By Luis F. Perez Staff Writer

Boca Raton — Police Chief Andrew Scott made a three-minute public statement Thursday to assure residents he's in charge and public safety is not at risk, a day after police union members conducted a vote showing they had no confidence in him.

"In conference with the city manager and his administration and in consideration of the public's overwhelming support, I will continue leading the Boca Raton Police Department as chief of police," Scott said.

"I want to assure the public that their safety is of paramount concern and has always been. And it has never been diminished."

Scott said he has to "mend fences" with the police union. And he was sure they could come to a reasonable consensus with compromise and understanding.

He declined to answer questions.

The vast majority of officers, sergeants and lieutenants who cast ballots Wednesday -- 152 of 155 -- agreed that they had lost confidence in Scott's ability to lead the agency.

Union officials raised concerns about Scott after he came to the police station at 2 a.m. Sept. 24 when an acquaintance was under arrest and facing several charges.